//------------------------------// // 3 - A Rare Encounter // Story: Humans, Rainbows and Diamonds // by RariDashFan //------------------------------// Martin continued to run through the streets of Ponyville. He just wanted to get as far away as possible. He wasn’t sure exactly where to go, and just kept running aimlessly. Eventually, Martin was stopped, rather forcibly by a small vendor’s cart, which he slammed into hard, knocking some of the vendor’s wares onto the street. The crash obviously caused some commotion within the surrounding ponies, who all stopped and turned to view the scene. Martin stood up, his head spinning. A light-yellow colt stood near, looking angrily at Martin, as he was the seller of the items now scattered across the group. “The heck do ya’ think you’re doin’!?” The vendor shouted angrily at Martin, who was still dazed from the crash. “I..erm..I’m sorry. I didn’t see where I was go-woah!” Martin, still disorientated, lost his balance and fell over, narrowly avoiding causing further damage to the cart. “Look what you’ve done to my products!” The salespony shouted, grabbing all sorts of items from the street. He was obviously just a trader, who bought and sold any items he could get his hooves on. “I-I’m sorry.” Martin replied, getting back up to his feet and steadying himself. “I’ll pay for any damages.” “Darn right you will!” The pony responded, after placing his wares back onto his wooden cart. He then surveyed the items and named his price to Martin, 10 bits, which Martin swiftly took from his pocket and handed to the pony, who snached it from him. Martin then saw something on the cart which caught his eye. It was a bracelet, which was made out of a red metal, with 5 multicoloured jewels encrusted into the metal itself. “That’s the type of thing Rainbow would like…” Martin mumbled to himself. He then looked around to see where he was. The crowd that was observing the scene had now dispersed, and Martin could see he was right outside Sugarcube Corner. He had to talk to someone about what happened, and thinking about it, Pinkie would be the best choice again. There’s no need to tell anyone else about this. Martin walked into the large bakery, but was not greeted by Pinkie Pie. Instead, a familiar white mare noticed him, and beckoned him over to her table. Rarity had always been a good friend to Martin, taking the time to study the human body, just to design clothes for Martin, and asking for nothing or very little in return. Martin smiled a little, as much as he could in his situation, and went over to sit with his friend. “Why Martin, what brings you to Sugarcube Corner?” Rarity asked Martin. “Well, I was hoping to talk to Pinkie about something. Is she around?” replied Martin. “No, actually, you just missed her. Some business about cupcakes and numbers, I haven’t the faintest idea what she meant.” said Rarity. “But maybe I can help. What is it you want to talk to her about, Martin?” “Well, it’s a long story. You see...I erm...Well, I sort of...maybe...kinda…” “Out with it, Martin. I’m sure it isn’t anything bad.” Rarity kindly said. “I’m...in love with Rainbow Dash.” Martin hurriedly replied. Rarity just stared at Martin. He expected her to react in some way, but she didn’t. She looked rather upset for some reason. “Oh.” She said, no reaction, no shock, just “Oh.” “Well...that’s excellent!” she suddenly responded, as if waking from a trance. “What did you need Pinkie for anyways?” she asked. “Well…” Martin found it hard to keep himself composed. All he could remember was seeing the colt Ace Thunder, with that smile on his damn face. Oh, how he’d like to remove it. However, Martin’s angry thoughts didn’t translate to that on his face, as tears started to form in the corner of his eyes. Rarity immediately noticed this. “Darling, whatever is the matter?” Rarity asked, growing concerned for her friend. “SHE’S SEEING SOMEONE ELSE!!” Martin bawled. Thankfully, there was no-one else in the bakery to witness this. Rarity was rather taken aback by this, but reached across and put a hoof across Martin’s shoulder. “There there, dear.” Rarity offered the best sympathy she could to Martin, who’s head was now planted on the table. “Did you tell Rainbow Dash how you felt?” “No.” Martin coldly replied. “Oh. So sorry to ask, but who is Rainbow with?” Rarity reluctantly asked, not wishing to cause any distress to Martin. “Some bastard called Ace Thunder.” Martin replied yet again, in a deadpan voice. “Ace Thunder!? Martin, are you serious?” Rarity exclaimed suddenly, upon hearing the young colt’s name. Martin then bolted upright and stared at Rarity inquisitively. “You’ve heard of him?” Martin asked. “Heard of him? I wished I hadn’t! He’s the most arrogant, pompous, disgusting, evil colts I’ve come across, and believe me, I’ve known a few.” Rarity angrily and uncharacteristically said. “Who is he? And what did he do?” quizzed Martin. “Ace Thunder is a competitive racer. A rising star in the racing world. He promised me that he’d wear my newest range of pegasus racing gear in one of his biggest races, and endorse my boutique. As soon as I handed over the gear, I never heard from him again. It took me months to perfectly design the most aerodynamic racing outfit, and even longer to make it. Then, in one fell swoop, gone. If Ace Thunder sees something in Rainbow Dash, then I can assure you it’s not companionship.” Rarity was obviously trying to suppress anger, in a ladylike manner, but it was still obvious that this was a burning issue for her. “But what if it is for love? Him and Rainbow are both racers, maybe they met through that?” Martin rebutted. He couldn’t just jump to conclusions. “About a year ago, there was a scandal involving Ace Thunder. It was a few days before the Grand Equestria Race, and a young mare named Star Breeze was predicted to win the race. She was a relatively new racer, just like Rainbow, but she was talented. It was announced that Ace and Star were dating a few days before the race. On the day of the race, Star Breeze was way off her usual performances. She finished second to last, while Ace Thunder won, and took the prizes and the fame, and left Star Breeze shortly after. Of course, Ace denied any wrongdoing, and being a star, he has some of the best attorneys in Equestria. I think that Ace might plan on doing what he did to Star Breeze to Rainbow Dash, since she’s competing in this year’s race.” “That’s horrible! We need to warn Rainbow right now!” Martin announced, obviously worried. “I agree, but we shouldn’t rush into this. We need to plan this properly.” Rarity added. “Yeah, you’re right. I’d rather not discuss it here in public, though. Come to my house, and we can discuss it further there.” Martin said. “Yes, good idea. Lead the way.” Rarity said before the two left their seats and walked out of the bakery, heading towards Martin’s house. A few moments later, Pinkie Pie walked back into the bakery. “Rariiityyy? Are you here?” She songfully asked. There was no reply. “Oh well, she must’ve left.” She said in her happy tone, before walking off singing. “We’ll take on anyone...it’s really nothing new, it’s just a thing we like to do…” Back at Martin’s house, Rarity and Martin were locked in a tough discussion regarding their plan of action. Martin, however, was finding it hard to concentrate. The pony that he was about to confess his love to, the pony who was his best friend, was seeing someone else. He had half a mind to find this Ace Thunder and smack him across the jaw. But no, that would do no good. “Martin, darling, I know how much this means to you, but we’ve been at this all night, and we’ve no ideas to show for it. It’s getting late now, I must return to the boutique, I have a hectic schedule tomorrow.” Rarity spoke softly, trying not to upset Martin. Looking out of the window, Luna’s moon was high in the sky, it must’ve been quite late indeed. “It’s fine, Rarity. I really appreciate your help.” Martin replied, attempting to sound upbeat. “I really hope this works out for you. You two are meant for each other, I’m sure of it.” Rarity positively replied. “Thanks” Martin mumbled, once again trying to sound positive. “C’mon, I’ll walk you home.” The walk back to Rarity’s boutique was a quiet one, with the fact the streets were nigh on deserted, and the fact neither of the two wanted to say anything. The mood between them was rather bleak. Eventually, they arrived at Carousel Boutique, where Martin said his goodbyes to Rarity, who replied with a hug before going inside. The walk back was even worse for Martin. The streets seemed so empty with no-one beside him. Suddenly, he heard a swish through the air behind him. Startled, Martin turned to see Rainbow Dash standing there, staring at Martin. “Martin, there you are!” Rainbow exclaimed “Where’ve you been? I’ve looked all over.” “I’ve been at home, just relaxing.” Martin lied. He couldn’t tell Rainbow what had happened, although he might have to. “Look, I’m sorry about earlier. I really should have told you that I was with Ace. I just wasn’t sure how you’d take it, since we spend so much time together. I wouldn’t be around as much, but we can still be friends, right?” Rainbow asked, with a nervous smile on her face. “Yeah...whatever you say, Rainbow.” Martin replied, looking at the floor. “Is something wrong?” Rainbow asked, concerned. “No, nothing. Don’t worry about it.” Martin’s head never lifted from its downwards position. Rainbow looked at Martin with a puzzled expression, then said goodbye to Martin, and walked away. Martin then thought, this is his one chance to tell Rainbow about Ace, his one chance to save her from her doomed fate. “Rainbow, wait!” Martin shouted. The blue mare then turned suddenly, and faced Martin. “Ace Thunder isn’t who you think he is.” continued Martin. “He’s only with you so he can ruin your chances in the Grand Equestrian! Rainbow, please listen, I know I’m going to sound crazy, but you need to listen! He’s a cheat, he doesn’t love you, he just wants to win the race! Rainbow, please listen.” This burst from Martin took Rainbow aback. She just stopped, stunned, before her face turned to one of anger. “How...DARE YOU!” She angrily shouted in response. “Is this your idea of a sick joke!? ‘Cos it isn’t very funny!” “Rainbow, no. You’ve got to listen to me, I’d never lie to you, I swear.” Martin pleaded. “You’re so full of crap, Martin. I think you’re just jealous! You can’t handle the fact I have someone else in my life. You just want me all to yourself. Well, you’ll never see me again. We’re done!” Rainbow then flew off into the clouds, leaving a trail of colours behind her. Martin fell to his knees, crushed. It was over. He failed. Martin just wanted to forget all of this. He couldn’t just go home and sleep, he’d just lost not only his love, but his best friend. Martin thought of the possible ways he could deal with his problems. By drowning them at the bottom of a cold glass of cider.